StarDestroyer.Net BBS

I still mostly buy films and TV series on DVD, but my laptop doesn't have a built-in DVD drive and the external one is a bit cumbersome. Can anyone recommend a good, preferably free program for either Windows or Linux that'll convert DVD content to something like AVI or MKV? I need small file-size more than I need high quality, I've not got a lot of space to play with on this thing.

HandBrake. /thread

I have been using MakeMKV

One item I am curious is that there is a DVD movie I want that is in PAL format and I believe in Region 3
Wondering if MakeMKV will render it into a format I can watch

Willing to buy the movie to do this but don't want to waste my money

I'm pretty sure VLC Player can bypass regional restrictions, so that ought to at least let you watch it off the disc.